NOVAFRICA Research Seminar: Ieda Matavelli, Monash University

In our upcoming NOVAFRICA Research Seminar, we are pleased to welcome Professor Ieda Matavelli, from Monash University, on Wednesday, 11th November, at 11:00 AM (Lisbon time), in Room D011, at the Nova School of Business and Economics, Carcavelos campus, who will present her paper:

“We Don’t Talk About Boys: Masculinity Norms Among Adolescents in Brazil”

Abstract

Masculinity norms are socially constructed expectations around men’s behaviors. These norms include expectations that men should suppress their emotions or use violence to get respect. I measure agreement with masculinity norms among adolescent boys and girls and document that adolescents systematically overestimate their peers’ agreement with these norms. Using two field experiments in 25 schools in Rio de Janeiro, I show that a lack of communication with peers sustains the existence of these misperceptions. I provide evidence that miscalibrated expectations about interest and comfort in these discussions are a driver of the lack of communication, creating a self-reinforcing cycle.

Find out more about this and other NOVAFRICA seminars here.